Cinematherapy at School
48th Drama Internationa Short Film Festival – 2025
The Cinematherapy Programme of Drama International Short Film Festival was designed by the programme coordinator, Anthi Samartzidou, and implemented in schools from February to June 2025. It was delivered in 36 primary schools (53 classes) and 26 lower and upper secondary schools (45 classes) across the Drama region. The programme took place in person, as a creative expression workshop held in classrooms by educators Anthi Samartzidou and Katerina Manousi.
The films presented explored a range of themes reflecting the concerns and challenges faced by students in today’s school environment. These included the institution of education, digital hyper-reality and social media dependency, marginalisation, delinquency, substance use, family bonds, and social and familial expectations and stereotypes.
The films were selected by the educators of each participating class from a curated list, tailored to age groups (primary, lower secondary, upper secondary). The list offered eight thematic categories, with two films available under each theme.
Following the principles of established models of cinematherapy and contemporary education, the films were discussed in the classroom through open dialogue and experienced actively through theatre-based games, creative writing, and expressive exercises.
At the heart of the Cinematherapy programme lies the belief that active film viewing and interpretation can open up new narratives around school life, and life more broadly, creating new possibilities, interactions, and perspectives.